Sunday, April 29, 2012

If you were wondering as to why there was no update here on the Bersih 3.0 rally yesterday, I was out of town. You may even say I missed the action. I expected a peaceful sit-in rally but it was not to be from what I read.

If you are familiar with Kuala Lumpur (with reference to streets and building landmarks) and may be interested in the situation building up to the event, here's the chronology of events borrowed from The Star:

Dataran Merdeka was declared out of bounds to the public for 72 hours, from Friday morning, ahead of the planned Bersih 3.0 rally Saturday afternoon. A magistrate's court order was issued Thursday night. The court order was being displayed on an electronic billboard at Dataran Merdeka.

Other areas covered under the court order include Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Jalan Raja and Jalan Kelab.

The court order bars organisers of Bersih 3.0 and people from gathering at the historic square. The organisers say they will abide by the court order but insist the gathering will go on as planned.

Himpunan Hijau, an anti-Lynas group, has also stated its intention to hold a rally, protesting the setting up of a rare earth processing plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

Below was the chronology of live updates of the Bersih 3.0 rally at Dataran Merdeka yesterday. Credit goes to The Star:

7.50am: Very heavy police presence at the entrance of KLCC, Jalan Ampang. No sign of any demonstrators.

7.57am: A small crowd of Himpunan Hijau protestors can be seen at the KLCC park.

8.20am: Two lorry selling food and tidbits parked at Masjid Negara for those who want to grab a quick breakfast. A sign says Masjid Negara is closed to non-Muslim tourists Saturday. On normal circumstances, the mosque is open from 9am to 12pm from Monday to Sunday.

8.30am: Police have blocked entry into the city via Jln Syed Putra; both from Federal Highway and Jalan Klang Lama. Jam building up on Federal Highway.

KL Sentral bustling with people going about with their daily activities, unperturbed with the expected gathering of Bersih 3.0 supporters at nearby Jalan Brickfields. The large crowd can be attributed to the fact that it is a long weekend with Tuesday being Workers Day. Many were seen carrying bags to make their way back to their hometowns or holiday destinations. No Bersih supporters have gathered at Jalan Brickfields.

Calm atmosphere at Central Market, with pockets of supporters wearing yellow T-shirts all around the area. Police presence not heavy with only a group of Rela members and several police officers around. No police trucks in the area.

Kelana Jaya LRT service running smoothly amidst conflicting claims and reports of service disruption, including the alleged closure of the Kelana Jaya station.

Heavy police presence at Sogo; Jalan TAR at Sogo, leading to Dataran has been sealed off. At least 100 uniformed policemen here.

8.45am: Police starting to gather at Central Market.

Calm atmosphere at Masjid Negara. Supporters are sitting around, chatting amongst them. A supporter tells reporters more are on the way.

8.50am: Increased police presence at the KLCC's Jalan Ampang. There are eleven trucks parked with about 500 policemen. Some of them are carrying food and water out of the trucks.

A few yellow shirts are seen around Sogo.

8.50am: A group of Bersih 3.0 supporters have assembled in front of the Pasar Seni LRT station, talking with passers-by. Only a handful of police officers were so far seen patrolling the area. Another crowd of supporters have gradually gathered in front of main entrance of Jalan Raja at the police barricade. Dressed in yellow shirts and bandanas, they occassionally chant reformasi, among others.

8.51am: Traffic has started to build up on some roads leading towards the city centre, where Dataran Merdeka is. The Federal Highway has been congested from the Mid Valley intersection up to the Putra University station from 8am as motorists encounter road blocks, which were set up around the Dataran Merdeka at midnight. Other major roads in the city relatively clear.

8.59am: Police have set up a strong presence at Central Market, with easily over 150 officers split into several groups stationed around the premises. A police helicopter hovers over the area in an otherwise peaceful morning.

9am: A crowd in yellow t-shirts have gathered here. Volunteers are selling yellow "Angry Birds" balloons to the public. Written on the balloons are "Clean Elections" "Stop Lynas" "Bersih 428" and "Save Our Children". They are selling the balloons with a yellow recycled bag and a towel for RM20.

Police personnel standing in rows at the blockade at Sogo, forming a human barrier to stop any from passing.

9.05am: Himpunan Hijau members have assembled at the KLCC entrance, Jalan Ampang, with curious onlookers in their midst.

9.06am: A small group of supporters arrive at Central Market with drums, tambourines and placards in tow. Supporters already in the area crowd around the group, appreciating the morning entertainment.

9.09am: A crowd is chanting in front of the police barricade blocking the entrance to Dataran Merdeka at Jalan Raja. Among them are supporters wearing green in support of the anti-Lynas group. Police keep a close eye.

9.15am: Groups of demonstrators begin to sit down in the middle of the Jalan Parlimen-Jalan Raja intersection.

A crowd of Bersih supporters seen buying LRT tokens at KL Sentral, some to Central Market, others to Masjid Jamek.

Some members of Himpunan Hijau at KLCC pose for pictures with policemen.

9.16am: Police vehicles have been arriving at Sogo since 8am. At least 10 trucks and three buses so far.

9.20am: RapidKL buses are sending passengers to the closest LRT stations (not into the city) as some roads are closed.

9.21am: Police gathered in front of the Bar Council have blocked off the road behind Central Market towards Dataran. Pockets of supporters moving towards their direction and stopping in front of the police.

9.24am: OCBC bank building beside the Masjid Jamek LRT station sealed off to the public with red and white tape.

9.30am: Crowd at Masjid Jamek gathers around a small drum ensemble, singing the song "Stand Up For Your Rights".

9.44am: A crowd at Petaling Street has broken out in protest chants and songs in at least two groups. One group of mothers for Bersih leads boisterous chants in support of Bersih and against Lynas.

9.45am: Police form three lines blocking Lebuh Pudu (in front of the Bar Council office) but allow people to walk to Dataran Merdeka using the path along the shoplots.

Policemen at Sogo taking advantage of the calm to have nasi lemak for breakfast.

A small crowd gathers about 50m in front of the police barrier at Sogo. Some wearing yellow t-shirts.

9.55am: Increased police presence around the Little India fountain at Brickfields in anticipation of gathering of Bersih 3.0 supporters. No road closure around KL Sentral area.

10am: Very lively and happy crowd at Jalan Sultan. A group is making music with sticks, pails and plastic bottles and marching down the road while others cheer them on.

Protestors blocking one side of Jalan Ampang. Several anti-Lynas leaders are giving speeches. Vehicles cannot get through.

10.50am: A small band of supporters wearing yellow seen tying up banners to lamp posts near the Little India fountain, Brickfields. Police are nearby watching. They are chanting "hidup hidup rakyat. Bersih bersih bangkit rakyat."

Crowd at Sogo has started chanting slogans.

10.51am: Central Market packed with Bersih supporters now.

10.54am: The crowd assembled in front of Central Market converge at the stage in the parking lot, holding up their hands and making 428 symbols while chanting pro-Bersih slogans with Ambiga and other leaders from the movement.

10.55am: Protesters at KLCC are marching from Jalan Ampang to Jalan P. Ramlee. The crowd has swelled.

Main crowd still infront of police barrier at Sogo. Many bypassing barrier by going through Masjid India to reach Dataran Merdeka. Police are not stopping them.

10.57am: More than a thousand have gathered outside the barricade at Jalan Parlimen- Jalan Raja intersection. Crowds are constantly chanting bersih slogans. Police presence has increased as well with cops stationed at the barricade as well as at the Jalan Parlimen roundabout.

11.00am: Himpunan Hijau members prevented from going further up to Jalan Ampang and are proceeing towards Jalan P Ramlee.

11.05am: Supporters crowd the front of the stage at Central Market to snap pictures of Ambiga and other leaders from the movement. A few of them start singing Inilah Barisan Kita.

The anti-Lynas group from KLCC is heading towards Jalan Pudu, roads cleared for them.

A group of about a hundred students from the Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia group has joined the main crowd gathered at the Jalan Parlimen-Jalan Raja intersection. The group came through Jalan Raja Laut chanting Bersih slogans. The crowd is starting to swell here.

11.15am: Crowd greets a group of marchers, led by Selangor speaker Datuk Teng Chang Khim and start chanting Bersih Bersih, as the group marches by Masjid Jamek LRT station.

11.18am: Atmosphere at Central Market calm now as supporters seen going in for lunch.

11.19am: Crowd growing at Little India, in yellow t-shirts and ready to move to Dataran Merdeka.

11.20am: PKR's Azmin Ali seen wearing Bersih t-shirt among the crowd in front of Sogo.

11.22am: More supporters moving into Central Market, coming in from Brickfields and KL Sentral direction.

11.24am: A police helicopter has been hovering above Central Market and nearby assembly points for the last 10 minutes, as protesters go about their business while waiting for further instructions from the movement's leadership.

11.25am: Azmin Ali walking with some through Masjid India to Dataran.

Police at Lebuh Pudu

Anti-Lynas group to Pudu Central and chanting slogans.

11.26am: A group of Bar Council members are gathered nearby the Little India fountain in Brickfields to observe the situation here.

11.30am: The crowds have started to move towards the Masjid Negara. They were told to do so by PAS' Unit Amal personnel. Meanwhile the crowd gathered at Jalan Parlimen-Jalan Raja waves at a low hovering police helicopter.

The group of marchers from Masjid Jamek have stopped at Jalan Tun Perak-Jalan Hang Lekiu intersection and proceeded to sit down and continue chanting. They start singing Negaraku.

11.35am: Little pieces of paper on what to do if arrested are distributed to Bersih supporters.

11.40am: Crowd gathers in front of Bar Council, near the barb-wire barricade leading to Dataran Merdeka. Also there are Occupy Dataran protestors who previously camped in the square for the past two weeks.

Jalan Sultan crowd is growing; people are chanting Bersih slogans and holding up banners. At least 3 helicopter seen circling the area.

Himpunan Hijau members have started a sit-down protest along Jalan Tun Perak, just outside Menara Maybank.

The Jalan Tun Perak crowd reach Central Market, blocking off the road as they join supporters gathered at Central Market. Their arrival was marked by chants of "Hidup Rakyat!" and "Reformasi!"

Crowd getting louder and holding up banners at police barrier near Sogo. Police keeping a close eye.

Some of the crowd gather in front of the barricade along Jalan Parlimen-Jalan Raja intersection and watch as about 30 Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel with batons and shields march in the distance toward the barricade.

12.10pm: A large group walking from the direction of KLCC have joined up with crowd at Sogo.

The few shops which were open in the area have closed their shutters in anticipation of trouble.

A few leaders of the crowd are trying to negotiate with police. Police retreat. The crowd sits down at the Sogo traffic intersection and continues to chant.

1215pm: Crowd from Little India has joined up with another crowd gathering in front of YMCA in Brickfields.

12.17pm: PAS' Unit Amal is leading the crowd from Brickfields to Dataran merdeka.

12.18pm: Water cannons spotted along with several FRU buses and trucks along Jalan Raja in front of Dataran Merdeka. Crowd remains seated at the Jalan Parlimen-Jalan Raja intersection. Large crowd seated along the whole of Jalan Tun Perak.

12.39pm: A detachment of more than a hundred policemen in uniform start to walk towards the Jalan Parlimen roundabout from Jalan Raja Laut.

12.40pm: The crowd from Sogo reaches Jalan Parlimen and merges with the group there. Chants grow louder.

Bersih supporters taking their lunch break at a mamak restaurant at KTM station.

Among those gathering for the Bersih rally at KLCC

12.48pm: Crowd spills over at Central Market as more supporters arrive from Brickfields.

12.50pm: More groups from different locations have made their way to Masjid Jamek.

12.51pm: A police helicopter hovers low over Central Market, as hundreds more protesters stream in to the area. It momentarily drowns out protesters' chants then moves on.

Organisers tell crowd not to cause any provocation during the rally.

12.51pm: A group of FRU personnel gathered at the Jalan Parlimen roundabout have rung their warning bell. A group of demonstraters are standing their ground.

The crowd at Jalan Sultan

1pm: Massive crowd at Masjid Jamek, now that the groups from Jalan Sultan and Himpunan Hijau group have arrived. Street is jampacked with human beings. DAP national chairman Karpal Singh has arrived at Central Market.

Police have sounded a second warning bell, warning the crowd around Dataran Merdeka. The demonstrators remain defiant.

1:15pm: Crowd from Jalan Sultan has flowed into Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, road is filled with people walking slowly and peacefully chanting slogans from time to time.

1.15pm: Two police black Marias that have been stationed near the Masjib Jamek LRT station all morning have moved towards Dataran Merdeka.

1.19pm: Thousands of rally participants stop their chants of 'Bersih' and 'Stop Lynas' as Zohor prayers heard from Masjid Jamek.

1.20pm: FRU personnel have re-grouped at Dataran Merdeka. Water canon trucks also on standby there.

1.45pm: Protesters begin their march from Central Market to Dataran Merdeka. They are led by Ambiga and other Bersih and Pakatan leaders.
Video grab of an object believed to be an explosive which was found by police outside Menara Dayabumi. - Video from PDRM

Protesters sit down in front of the police block at Jalan Lebuh Pasar Besar, next to Bar Council building, still singing and chanting Bersih slogans.

1.56pm: Opposition leaders Tony Pua and Nurul Izzah Anwar have joined the rally at Masjid Jamek, together with some of the Bersih steering committee members.

1.59pm: PKR's Nurul Izzah is addressing the Masjid Jamek crowd.

2pm: Protesters from Central Market, led by Ambiga, join up with protesters assembled near Masjid Jamek, the closest they can get to Dataran Merdeka.

The crowd at Masjid Negara has started march towards Dataran Merdeka via Pasar Seni. Crowd is led by Opposition leaders.

2.04pm: PKR deputy president Azmin Ali addresses crowd sitting in front of Dataran. He asks, "Do you want to enter Dataran?" Crowd shouts back yes. Azmin says "Dataran does not belong to DBKL"

A DAP advises crowd to remain seated at same location in front of the police block at Jalan Lebuh Pasar Besar, next to Bar Council building, until 4pm - "If you enter Dataran, no law will protect you. Our advice is, remain seated here. Do not try to enter Dataran"

Crowd at Masjid Jamek observe a minute's silence in remembrance of Anuar Baharuddin, who passed away at the last Bersih rally. They then sing Negaraku.

2.25: Crowd at Dataran chanting, "We want Dataran" and trying to push through barrier now. Fears of stampede for people on the front now but situation brought under control again. Situation very tense.

Earlier, police doubled the number of FRU personnel and vehicles and Water cannons have doubled. However, FRU have not budged from their location in front of Dataran Merdeka.

2.30pm: Ambiga tells crowd at Masjid Jamek to disperse, after a short speech where she reiterated her call for free and fair elections.

2.40pm: Truck that Ambiga, Anwar and the rest were standing atop slowly heads in the direction of Dataran while the crowd follows.

2.57pm: A group of demonstraters break through the barricade at Dataran. Police forced to fire tear gas and spray water cannons at the protesters.

5.40pm: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein tweeted that two policemen had been injured and admitted into hospital. The snatched police pistol has been recovered. So far, 23 received outpatient treatment, including 20 policemen and three protesters, he said on his Twitter posting.

5.42pm: Ambiga said Bersih did not support the act of certain individuals who broke the barrier at Dataran Merdeka. She urged the police to investigate the incident that caused police to fire tear gas into crowd.

6.10pm: Opposition leaders tweet to urge protesters to disperse.

6.15pm: Jalan TAR, where a group of protestors had a stand off with police, now open to traffic. Crowds move to sidewalks but are not dispersing. Cops go to Dataran Merdeka area

7.20pm: Police say that by 7pm, 222 people had been arrested over rally at Dataran Merdeka

8.30pm: Police say that by 8pm, 388 people had been arrested.

After the protesters had gone home, there was still a strong police presence remaining at Dataran Merdeka. Earlier protesters breached a barbed wire cordon, triggering a response from the police that included water cannons and tear gas. Police said their response was prompted by the violent act of protesters, and by 8pm, 388 protesters had been arrested.

Although the rally and the sit-in to demand free and fair elections was to have been held between 2pm to 4pm, people began gathering in the morning and dispersed well after nightfall.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Hats are not popular here in Malaysia when they ought to be in this tropical climate. The weather the past few days has been hot and dry and humid at the same time. The strange thing about our weather is, when it rains it pours and when it's dry, it can get really, really hot.

By the way, if you intend to be at the Bersih 3.0 rally tommorow, it would be wise to bring along a hat or an umbrella or both - to protect yourself from the sun, to fan yourself with, or to shield yourself from any shower, if you get what I mean.

Doesn't this look like the giant tv at Dataran Merdeka, and with a message too that says the square is offlimits.

This is Dataran Merdeka, quiet and deserted after KL Mayor, Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, declated Dataran Merdeka and all roads leading to it would be closed from 6am Friday to 6am on Sunday.

Meanwhile the Magistrates court has issued an order preventing the organisers of Bersih 3.0 and members of the public from entering Dataran Merdeka on Saturday. The order was made at 8:30pm Thursday by Magistrate Zaki Asyraf Zubir following an application by the police.

The court order bars organisers and members of the public from gathering at Dataran from midnight Friday until May 1.

From what I read, the venue for Bersih 3.0 is Dataran Merdeka. There will also be a Bersih rally in Ipoh, at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreational Park, popularly known as the Polo Ground. The Bersih movement is for free and fair elections in the country.

Tacos, a food with Mexican origin, has not caught on here yet, but lately, crepe stalls have been springing up in shopping complexes in the city operating as a food chain manned by foreigners mostly. This week's quiz is called The Taco Test and which says I am Hilarious.

Dataran Merdeka has been cordoned off and all roads leading to it would be closed from 6am today to 6am on Sunday.

KL mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said no gathering would be allowed at the square without his written consent. This is voiced in relation to the Bersih 3.0 rally scheduled for Saturday, Apr 28, which Dataran Merdeka as the venue is not being approved. Alternative venues offered include Cheras Stadium, Titiwangsa Stadium, Bukit Jalil Stadium and Stadium Merdeka.

Real Madrid - FC Bayern München 3:4
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's penalty shootout saves secured Bayern Munich a Champions League final against Chelsea in their own Allianz Arena after the German side ended Real Madrid's bid for a 10th European crown on Wednesday.Source

Meanwhile the Champions League trophy has arrived in Munich, the Allianz Arena being the venue of the finals on May 19. Both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies were placed in the city authorities’ care in the ceremony at the historic Old Town Hall on Marienplatz at 4 pm.

UEFA President Michel Platini handed the famous men’s cup to mayor of Munich Christian Ude, with the women’s cup presented to Christine Stroble, the mayor of Munich for sport.Source

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A colleague recently moved into her new home, a corner lot with a big garden. She bought it second-hand. No renovation needed as it has all the necessary cabinets and stuff in place. Nothing major needs replacing except for a few minor things including the tv stand. She prefers one made of solid wood. She is now checking out tv stands around town as well as online. So far, she thinks there are a lot more choices online, including colours and shades. I'm sure she'll find one in time for her house-warming party.

Monday, April 23, 2012

McDonald's hasn't given out any vouchers lately but here is a KFC voucher for you. Though it's not for a free meal, the voucher offers a discount on a KFC "Meal for Two". Just print out the coupon above and redeem. Black-and-white vouchers are also accepted.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I noticed lately there has been quite a lot of hits on my site looking for The Biggest Loser. If they are looking for tips on losing weight or interested in starting a weight loss regimen but at the same time worried about the safety of diet pills, there are a lot of sites online with advice on diet pill side effects and reviews on diet pills as well as as tips on types of food to eat, etc.

We all know that there is no one diet pill that fits all. So, it is important to shop around and do adequate research before the big step is taken. Remember that health is important. Best wishes..

It has been reported that the family will be moving to the UK for two years.

After seven years and six children, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are finally engaged. The duo, who recently announced their engagement, will be moving to Richmond, Surrey with their six children where Jolie will work on three projects back-to-back. Source..Brangelina moving to the UK

The engagement ring was designed by Robert Procop, a private jeweller for the couple, in collaboration with Brad Pitt.

Procop said: 'Brad had a specific vision for this ring, which he realised over a yearlong collaboration. He wanted every aspect of it to be perfect, so I was able to locate a diamond of the finest quality and cut it to an exact custom size and shape to suite Angelina's hand.

'The side diamonds are specially cut to encirlce her finger. Each diamond is of the highest gem quality.'

Experts estimate the ring cost around $250,000.

And Brad's spokeswoman Cynthia Pett-Dante later confirmed the news, saying: 'It is a promise for the future and their kids are very happy. There's no date set at this time.'

Back in 1999, Brad gave Jennifer Aniston a diamond and platinum engagement ring. The actor is believed to have co-designed it with jeweler Silvia Damiani, with an estimated value of $500,000. The couple divorced in 2005.

I have seen cane and rattan furniture being done, personally created with care by the artisans (yes, I call it an artform). Each piece of these furniture is really a work of art, from a simple rattan stool to a cane furniture living room set, and everything in-between.

Unfortunately, the trade of making cane and rattan furniture is disappearing fast as making cane and rattan furniture is a time-consuming and laborious process. Nowadays, mass produced furniture has taken over.

Looking for cane or rattan furniture or products? If you are in Kuala Lumpur or in the Klang Valley, here is where you can find some readily available, probably cheaper cane and rattan furniture.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

The period of filing in Income Tax returns is here again. In recent years, the IRB has been engaging with the public providing good feedback answering taxpayer queries on what can and cannot be claimed.

I came across an item in the Q&A on The Star today which may clear a doubt for Malaysian bloggers who are making money online, i.e., income from overseas. Let me know if I'm understanding it incorrectly.

Q: I have a full-time job but I also do some overseas stock option investment and I was wondering if the gain is taxable. If the gain is taxable, how about the losses?

IRB: With effect from the year of assessment 2004, income received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia is exempted from tax.Hence, an individual is taxable only on income accruing in or derived from Malaysia.

There is more where the above came from. You can check out answers to taxpayer queries that may apply to you, e.g., purchase of sports equipment, education and medical insurance, etc.

Twenty-six-year-old Hong Yi, an architect by day and an artist by night, is one of the two Malaysian speakers at the three-day e.g. Conference in Monterey, California, which started yesterday. The other Malaysian to speak at the event is Ren Ng, founder and chief executive officer of California-based start-up company Lytro that develops consumer light-field cameras.

Source: The Star

Nicknamed Red Hong, the Sabah lass said in a recent interview said she is honoured to be one of the 60 speakers and “I'm very excited but incredibly nervous because everyone there is super brilliant and I'm like this kampung girl who uploads videos.”

After the Yao Ming caricature, she used coffee cup stains from about 20 cups of coffee to produce an image of Taiwanese singer Jay Chou. The Zhang YiMou protrait in the image above is made from socks, pins and bamboo sticks. Below are the videos showing her working on the three portraits. Interesting and very talented!

Expect an exhibition of her works when she has enough of them to put up. I look forward to it.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Nowadays, people plan better for holidays or at least they know exactly what they want with regard to going on a holiday.

We were talking about holidays at breakfast last week and the choice between free-and-easy option versus a guided tour. Most of us prefer to go on a guided tour, me included. The thinking is when we go on a holiday, it is supposed to be enjoyable and not having to run around (albeit on the Internet) searching for the best travel packages, itineraries, hotel and transportation reservations and the like.

Most of us at breakfast agreed that free-and-easy is preferred when there is a friend or friends in the holiday destination familiar with the place. On a free-and-easy vacation, vacation homes do work well as they are something like a home away from home. I came across some Vacation homes in Kissimmee, Florida, online recently and thought they would make great accommodations on a trip to Disneyland. Staying in a vacation home would allow for more flexibility in schedules and could significantly reduce the holiday expenditure.

What about you? Would you prefer to stay in a vacation home instead of a hotel room?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

According to The Star, a massive 8.7 earthquake (preliminary magnitude of 8.9) struck waters off westernmost Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a tsunami alert in countries across the Indian Ocean. The quake was centred at 33km beneath the ocean floor, around 434km from the provincial capital of Banda Aceh.

In Penang, mild tremors lasting about a minute were felt in Seberang Prai around 4.45pm, sending people scurrying out of their homes and public places.

Tremors were also felt in the Klang Valley and Perak, all along the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

In Bangkok, a tsunami warning and evacuation order were issued by disaster prevention authorities in the southern Thai provinces of Phuket and Phangnga. Warning sirens have been turned on and people have been asked people to move to a safe place.

Indonesia straddles a series of fault lines that makes the vast island nation prone to volcanic and seismic activity.

A giant 9.1-magnitude quake off Aceh on Dec 26, 2004, triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed 230,000 people, nearly three quarter of them in Aceh. The Indonesian archipelago is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur in the basin of the Pacific Ocean.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Palace gets ready: A worker on a skylift putting the finishing touches to the main arch at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for the installation of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. - AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star

After recording the installation of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, in 2007, National Geographic will once again be recording the installation of Malaysia's new King, the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on Wednesday, 11 April 2012. This is a unique installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah as the King for the second time. This is the first time that a Sultan or Ruler has been re-elected as the Head of State since Malaysia gained independence in 1957.

Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was proclaimed the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1970 when he was 42, has been elected to be the 14th King at the age of 84. He is the first ruler to hold the position twice, as well as the oldest elected to the office. His reign began on 13 December 2011 after his election by the Conference of Rulers.

During His Majesty's reign as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the prime minister at that time was Tun Abdul Razak and this time, Abdul Razak's son, Datuk Seri Najib, is the head of government.

Filming, in collaboration with Finas, began in December during the taking of the oath and signing of the instrument of office by Tuanku Abdul Halim in Balairong Seri, Istana Negara, Jalan Duta. The documentary will also showcase the new palace, Istana Negara.

In conjunction with the installation of the new King, it has been announced that 11 April 2012 will be a national public holiday for all states and territories of Malaysia.

Update (11 Apr) - Malaysian tv station TV1 carried a live telecast of the installation of the new King.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Malaysians eat out a lot, the author included, and it is always nice to see a new eatery in an area you often frequent. Recently, I spotted a new food outlet in the neighbourhood. A lovely blue outdoor umbrella among the row of outdoor umbrellas caught my eye.

Unlike most eateries, this new food outlet emphasises on color as evidenced by the umbrellas out in the sun that come in various colors complemented by the equally colorful but matching tables and chairs.

From the outside, the place looks really inviting. Will have to give it a try soon..

Saturday, April 7, 2012

I should have posted this earlier but if you are a fan of Manchester United Football Club and/or a fan of the Great Dane, the club's former goalkeeping great Peter Schmeichel, plus you have a free afternoon today, you may want to pop over to the branch of Courts Malaysia at Setapak, Jalan Genting Klang.

I learned a new term today from The Star. The term is cina buta literally translates to blind Chinese. There must be a logical or justifiable explanation to the origin of this term, I am sure. Read on for its meaning, in the meantime.
>THE term cina buta is synonymous with a situation where a Muslim man who has filed an irrevocable divorce (talak tiga) against his wife is intent, for whatever reason, to marry her again.

The divorced woman can take another candidate as a husband but if the next marriage also ends up in a divorce, she is considered an eligible single woman and, under Islamic law, her first husband can seek her hand in marriage.

Using this technicality, Harian Metro reported that some ex-husbands were willing to pay another man to become the cina buta so that it would be legal for the first husband to reconcile with her.

“I have been offered three times to be a cina buta,” said 31-year-old Ramli, who boasted he was paid up to RM10,000 each time.

He is among a group of men who offer their services through the Internet to desperate husbands who had divorced thier wives on talak tiga and sought to marry them again.

When you have a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures as in Malaysia, words tend to cross borders and get adopted along the way. That is the beauty and fluidity of languages. Everything evolves, why shouldn't languages?

By the way, a Google search on cina buta yields more than 2.7million results!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

I have relatives living on the outskirts of the city who still have a well in the backyard. Even though there is running water, well water is used for watering the plants and for washing. Well water comes in really handy when taps run dry due to water rationing when reservoir level drops from insufficient rainfall or when piping works are in progress.

It's nice to visit with them because of the rustic feel of the place with fowl running everywhere and fruit trees out back. Charming rustic lighting and furniture give one a welcoming feeling.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The price of the premium RON97 petrol went up 10sen to RM2.90 at midnight last night, Monday, according to the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM).

There is no change for RON95 petrol, still at RM1.90 a litre. The price for diesel also remains unchanged at RM1.80 a litre.

The price increase is due to the soaring global fuel price that has hit USD120 per barrel. The price of RON97 fluctuates in accordance with the global fuel price as the Government has lifted subsidy for this petrol.

There have been four increases in RON97 petrol price since the beginning of 2011. The last increase on May 5 (2011) saw a hike of 20 sen to RM2.90 per litre. On June 15 midnight, the price was reduced by 10 sen to RM2.80 per litre. That was the first reduction since the price was floated at market rates.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Gift-shopping is not an easy task, I tell you. Two birthdays just around the corner, so I had to go looking for two presents - one for a little boy and the other for a little girl.

Spent some time at the shopping mall checking out toys, books, clothes, girly knick-knacks, stationery and so forth. Even thought about gift certificates but little juniors don't appreciate that so on to more tangible stuff. Puzzles could also make great gifts, especially those that last, such as metal puzzles but these would be more for older children, I guess. Still, a good gift idea to keep in view.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Two days ago when I read about the bombing incidents in Yala in southern Thailand, I was thinking luckily it wasn't in Haadyai. Still, it was a terrible thing to be happening when such terrorist acts result in injuries and loss of lives. Eight people died and at least 70 were injured in a series of bomb explosions on Saturday. Three bombs went off in the business area of the city of Yala around lunchtime. It was reported that the devices may have been placed in a car and a motorcycle.

Haadyai or sometimes spelt Hatyai is a tourist destination popular with Malaysians. Busloads of Malaysians descend upon the tourist town of Hatyai, especially during weekends. People go there for a short holiday to have a chance to visit a foreign land, for a spot of shopping and some cheap and authentic Thai food. The more adventurous would have a chance at their agenda however.

Haadyai is merely 30km away from the Malaysian border and only a two-hour drive from Penang. From Kuala Lumpur, buses leave around ten at night and reach there in the morning. A weekend trip would entail leaving Kuala Lumpur on Friday night, arriving at Haadyai Saturday morning. A trip to the seaside town of Songkla is sometimes included. Some sightseeing, shopping and a Thai seafood dinner will complete the short sojourn to Thailand. After Sunday morning after breakfast will see everyone getting back into the coach heading back to Kuala Lumpur arriving around nine at night.

Unfortunately, Haadyai was not spared in the spate of bombings in the southern Thailand recently.

On March 31, 2012, a car bomb shook the 33-storey, 405-room Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, (the hotel popular with Malaysian and Singaporean visitors), killing four people injuring a hundred others, some critically. A Malaysian from Kuala Kedah is now listed as missing in the bomb blasts. Haadyai Mayor Prai Pattano clarified that two car bombs in the basement car park were used in the attack and not one as reported earlier.

Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel is along the busy Phachaitipat Road. There is also a McDonald's restaurant on the hotel's ground floor that is popular with tourists. The hotel is also within walking distance to the often busy Suntisuk Market.

A press release handed out by a Thai official stated that 416 people (at least 27 Malaysians) were injured in the blast at the hotel, of whom 37 were admitted to hospitals; three people died in the blast - a Malaysian man and two Thai women. There is an unidentified body of a man lying unclaimed at the Songkhlanagarind Hospital. The Muslim insurgents have been blamed for the deadly coordinated attacks.

Menanwhile, Malaysians are taking no chances, with many postponing or cancelling their planned holiday trips to Haadyai following the blasts at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman advised Malaysians against travelling to southern Thailand and that those who intend to visit the area should only do so if it concerns urgent matters and they should inform the Malaysian consulate in Songkhla.

Thailand will be celebrating Songkran (Thai New Year also known as the Water Festival) on April 13.

A colleague and two of her friends just came back from a trip to Bangkok. Everyone knows Bangkok is the place for shopping. So as expected they all came home with having to pay for excess baggage. She said it is still worth it.

Besides clothes, accessories, and handicraft, she also brought home some seriously nice discount upholstery fabric. They are silk fabrics and come in very attractive patterns and shades. A reminder, if you are planning to shop, I mean really shop, in Bangkok, the places to go to are factory outlets.

But seriously with all those bomb incidents lately, they must be very brave to be venturing into Bangkok. The lure of shopping overcomes all fears, I suppose.